St Francis Property Owners Newsletter – March 2026
St Francis Bay continues to move forward with steady progress across a number of key areas. There is strong momentum at the moment, and it is encouraging to see both visible results on the ground and continued community involvement behind the scenes.
Thank you to everyone who remains engaged, supportive, and part of the process.
Subscription Drive Update
The SFPO continues to play an active role across service delivery, planning, environmental matters, and the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme. There is real work happening, and it is gaining momentum.
We are currently looking to grow our membership and bring more people into the fold. Many new residents have joined the community over the past few years and have yet to engage with the SFPO, while others have always meant to sign up, but it keeps slipping down the list.
This is a simple opportunity to get involved. No big commitment, just a small, practical way to be part of how the town moves forward. Annual voluntary membership costs R600, or R375 for pensioners.
For those who have already joined and renewed, thank you. Your support adds real weight and allows the Association to operate effectively and consistently.
If you have been meaning to join, this is a good moment to do it. A stronger membership base builds influence, strengthens representation, and helps keep progress moving across all areas of St Francis Bay.
If you’d like to know more, please read ‘Ten Excellent Reasons to Join the SFPO’.
If you are already convinced, please go ahead and pay your annual subscriptions here.
Water Awareness
Earlier long-range forecasts pointed to a wetter, earlier start to the winter rainfall season. Recent updates suggest a shift, with indications now leaning towards a later arrival of meaningful rainfall.
Local dam levels currently sit at approximately 38,7% (Impofu) and 40% (Churchill), and mindful water use remains important across the region.
Small, consistent actions continue to support stability and ensure supply remains sustainable for residents, visitors, and the broader Kouga area.
Photo: Kouga Municipality
Groyne Project Progress
The Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme continues to show strong, visible progress.
The River Mouth Groyne has been completed and is functioning as part of the system. The Diagonal Groyne is nearing completion, with final work currently underway. Construction of a fourth groyne has been confirmed, with work set to resume following completion of the current phase.
Sand dredging from the Kromme River remains consistent, with material being transferred to the beachfront along the spit. This process is already delivering results, with approximately 100 metres of additional beach now visible at low tide.
The project continues to build momentum, with early-stage beach accretion and improved coastal resilience now evident.
Please note that WBHO will be off-site from 2 to 7 April for the Easter period, with work resuming immediately thereafter.
For more information, please read the latest Groyne Construction Status Update.
Photo: Barry Culligan
Tuna Challenge Prize Fuels Groyne Project
A sincere thank you to Warren Chapman for his generous decision to donate his prize at the Annual Tuna Challenge to the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme.
His regifting of the 6,000-litre fuel prize, awarded by Astron Energy, is a meaningful show of support for a project that is both community-driven and future-focused. It reflects a clear understanding of the value of protecting and strengthening our coastline for the long term.
This kind of contribution adds real momentum and speaks to the shared commitment that continues to shape progress in St Francis Bay.
The prize was earned following an exceptional fishing performance, including an 88.9kg tuna and two further standout fish, a memorable moment on the water and now one that carries lasting impact on land.
Wayne Furphy receives the 6,000-litre fuel voucher.
Gryone Project Donations Drive
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme. The support to date has been both encouraging and meaningful.
A broader donation drive is now running alongside the main funding structure. This allows anyone who enjoys the beaches, the coastline, and the evolving shoreline to contribute in a simple way.
Since we just nudged you about SFPO membership subscriptions, we thought we would mention it while you are already online and within easy reach of your card. There is no obligation at all; it simply makes things easier for those who feel inclined.
If you find yourself walking the newly formed beaches or enjoying a session at one of the new waves, and would like to contribute the price of a hamburger or any amount towards the construction of the 4th groyne, you are very welcome to do so.
Every contribution directly supports groyne construction, sand replenishment, and the continued rollout of the Long Term Coastal Protection Scheme.
Donations are processed securely via PayFast – Donate here.
Balance 580 is SAIL Magazine’s Top Ten Best Boats 2026 Winner.
St Francis Bay has just had a proper global moment. The Balance 580, built right here in Port St Francis, has been named a “Top 10 Best Boats 2026 Winner” by SAIL Magazine, placing it among the standout new yachts in the world this year. These boats go from the shed floor to the open ocean on this coastline, and now they are being recognised on one of sailing’s biggest stages.
With Johnny and Roger Paarman at the helm, the operation reflects a level of design, build quality, and ocean thinking that holds its own anywhere. For a small coastal town, this is a serious result and a reminder that world-class work is happening right here at home.
Closing Note
There is a strong sense of community across the village right now, and that spirit will carry through the coming months. With continued participation and support, that momentum will carry through the coming months.
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SFPO Association Contact:
Lyn Aitken – Administration Manager
Phone: 042 294 0594
Email: info@sfpo.co.za
Office Address: 9 Philippa Place, St Francis Bay.
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